We are a full-service dental office, providing complete
family dentistry. Dr. Salem's practice encompasses
preventative, prosthetic/reconstructive, oral surgery,
gum/soft tissue management, root canal therapy, implant and
cosmetic dentistry and treatment of Temporal Mandibular
Joint disease.
We offer a broad range of treatments and services all under
one roof. Some procedures are not listed - please call our
office for more information.
Patient Education:
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Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal
disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding
and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of
tooth loss in adults. In fact, after age 35, about
three out of four adults are affected by some form
of gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a
sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the
teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage
the gums. In the early stage of gum disease, called
gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and
bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still
reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily
brushing and flossing.
Because gum disease is usually
painless, however, you may not know you have it. In
the more advanced stages of gum disease, called
periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the
teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can
become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a
dentist.
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| Symptoms Signs of gum
disease
If you notice any of the following
signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately:
- gums that bleed when you
brush your teeth
- red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that have pulled away
from the teeth
- bad breath that doesn't go
away
- pus between your teeth and
gums
- loose teeth
- a change in the way your
teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of
partial dentures
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Normal, healthy
gums
Healthy gums and
bone anchor
teeth firmly in
place. |
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Periodontitis
If not removed,
plaque hardens
into calculus
(tartar). As
plaque and
calculus
continue to
build up, the
gums begin to
recede (pull
away) from the
teeth, and
pockets form
between the
teeth and gums. |
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Advanced
periodontitis
The gums recede
farther,
destroying more
bone and the
periodontal
ligament. Teeth
— even healthy
teeth — may
become loose and
need to be
extracted. |
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Prevention
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Preventing gum disease
The
good news is that you
can help prevent gum
disease by taking good
care of your teeth every
day and having regular
dental checkups. Here's
how to keep your teeth
and gums healthy:
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Brush
your teeth well
twice a day.
This removes the
film of bacteria
from the teeth. Be
sure to use a
soft-bristled
toothbrush that is
in good condition.
Toothpastes and
mouth rinses
containing fluoride
strengthen the teeth
and help prevent
decay. Choose
products that bear
the American Dental
Association Seal of
Acceptance, a symbol
of a product's
safety and
effectiveness. The
ADA reviews all
advertising claims
for any product
bearing the Seal.
The Seal on a
product is an
assurance for
consumers and
dentists against
misleading or untrue
statements
concerning a product
and its use, safety
and effectiveness.
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Clean
between your teeth
every day.
Cleaning between
your teeth with
floss or interdental
cleaners removes
bacteria and food
particles from
between the teeth,
where a toothbrush
can't reach. Early
gum disease can
often be reversed by
daily brushing and
flossing. If you use
interdental
cleaners, ask your
dentist how to use
them properly, to
avoid injuring your
gums.
-
Eat a
balanced diet.
Choose a variety of
foods from the basic
food groups, such as
breads, cereals and
other grain
products; fruits;
vegetables; meat,
poultry and fish;
and dairy products,
such as milk, cheese
and yogurt. Limit
between-meal snacks.
-
Visit
your dentist
regularly.
It is important to
have regular dental
checkups, and
professional
cleaning is
essential to prevent
periodontal
diseases.
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Treatment
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Treating
gum disease
The
good news is that early
gum disease is very
treatable by your
dentist. There are
several modality of
treatments that can be
prescribed by Drs. Lee
and Salem. With these
gum treatments and
regular gum maintenance
every 3-4 months, you
can keep your gum
healthy.
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Thorough gum and
soft-tissue exam.
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Disease education
and prevention.
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Oral
hygiene
instructions.
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Scaling and root
planning with
anesthesia.
Deep gum cleaning
may be prescribed.
This procedure will
decrease the
bacteria and its
toxin by-products
from the deep gum
pockets to prevent
further bone loss.
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Re-evaluation for
further gum
treatments.
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Gum
pocket reduction
procedure.
If the gum pocketing
is still large after
the scaling and root
planning, a surgical
approach can be
performed where by
further decreasing
gum pockets to be
easily cleaned.
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Non-surgical gum
treatment with
antibiotic treatment
with Arrestin and
Periochip.
A non-surgical
approach can be
prescribed with
early and moderate
gum disease. After
scaling and root
planning, a series
of localized
specially formulated
antibiotics can be
delivered.
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Grafting procedures.
If bone loss exists
or esthetics are a
concern, soft-tissue
and bone grafting
can be performed.
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Home
maintenance with
antibiotic rinse and
electric brush aids.
Cleaning between
your teeth with
floss or interdental
cleaners removes
bacteria and food
particles from
between the teeth,
where a toothbrush
can't reach. Ask
your dentist how to
use them properly,
to avoid injuring
your gums.
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Carious prevention
with prescribed
fluoride toothpaste.
This removes the
film of bacteria
from the teeth. Be
sure to use a
soft-bristled
toothbrush that is
in good condition.
Toothpastes and
mouth rinses
containing fluoride
strengthen the teeth
and help prevent
decay.
-
Visit
your dentist every
2, 3, or 4 months as
prescribed.
It is important to
have professional
cleaning is
essential to prevent
periodontal
diseases.
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